Patriots To Allow WR Julian Edelman Walk During Free Agency?

Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston addressed the topic Julian Edelman‘s future in New England during a recent mailbag.

According to Reiss, the Patriots are unlikely to place the franchise or transition tag on Edelman in the coming weeks due to the fact that the franchise tag alone would run them close to $11 million guaranteed in 2014.

Edelman was forced to sign a one-year deal worth $715,000 after striking out during free agency last year. Edelman put together a breakout season for the Patriots in which he totaled 105 receptions for 1,056 yards receiving and six touchdowns while also being a very effective punt returner.

Reiss believes Edelman could secure a similar contract to that of fellow Patriots’ WR Danny Amendola, who signed a five-year contract worth $28.5 million that included $10 million guaranteed..

Considering the fact that the Patriots were forced to rely on rookie receivers like Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins for portions of the season due to injuries to TE Rob Gronkowski and Amendola, it would make sense for them to try to retain Edelman.

Reiss suggests that the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans could provide some competition for Edelman’s services.  Bill O’Brien, the newly-appointed head coach of the Texans, is very familiar with Edelman’s skills as O’Brien called the plays in New England from 2009-2011.

We have Edelman listed as the No. 40 player in our Top 100 Free Agents list.